Overview: General information on mutation and a simulation pertaining to populations of rabbits and how mutation affects them. This lab utilizes an online simulation that shows how the factors of mutation effect evolution.
Opening: To begin the lesson I will have posted on the board a question of the day. “Using what you have learned in previous units, how does mutation relate to evolution?” the students will have 10 minutes to answer. Next I will show a Powerpoint showing the background knowledge needed to understand how mutation relates to evolution. We will then have a class discussion about whether or not mutations are beneficial or not. I will ask questions such as “Is mutation always a good thing? What are some examples of mutation gone wrong? What are some beneficial mutations we see in the world today? What do we use mutations for today?”
Activities: The students will use the mutation simulation software developed by PhET at the university of Colorado to observe how mutation effects natural selection in rabbit populations.
-pass out laptops
-download simulation
-using the simulation see how the rabbit population changes from generation to generation when you add mutations
-how does the environment shape which mutations are more beneficial?
-can the environment cause mutations? or do the best mutations simply fit into the environment?
-are mutations always beneficial?
Closing: To close the lesson I will have a short exit quiz on the powerpoint. Including questions such as: “What is an allele? Are all mutations beneficial? Does one mutation qualify as evolution? What is the difference between a genotype and a phenotype?”
Assessment Notes: The students will be graded on their participation in class discussion and also the exit quiz.
Overview: General information on mutation and a simulation pertaining to populations of rabbits and how mutation affects them. This lab utilizes an online simulation that shows how the factors of mutation effect evolution.
Opening (10 min)
Powerpoint (30 min)
Class Discussion (20 min)
Mutation Simulation (30 min)
Standards (Links):
**https://riscienceteachers.wikispaces.com/LS3+p2**
Objectives:
Students will be able to...
-explain what mutation is and how it contributes to evolution
Materials / Preparation Notes:
-Powerpoint
-Laptops
-Mutation simulation (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/natural-selection )
Instruction
Opening: To begin the lesson I will have posted on the board a question of the day. “Using what you have learned in previous units, how does mutation relate to evolution?” the students will have 10 minutes to answer. Next I will show a Powerpoint showing the background knowledge needed to understand how mutation relates to evolution. We will then have a class discussion about whether or not mutations are beneficial or not. I will ask questions such as “Is mutation always a good thing? What are some examples of mutation gone wrong? What are some beneficial mutations we see in the world today? What do we use mutations for today?”
Activities: The students will use the mutation simulation software developed by PhET at the university of Colorado to observe how mutation effects natural selection in rabbit populations.
-pass out laptops
-download simulation
-using the simulation see how the rabbit population changes from generation to generation when you add mutations
-how does the environment shape which mutations are more beneficial?
-can the environment cause mutations? or do the best mutations simply fit into the environment?
-are mutations always beneficial?
Closing: To close the lesson I will have a short exit quiz on the powerpoint. Including questions such as: “What is an allele? Are all mutations beneficial? Does one mutation qualify as evolution? What is the difference between a genotype and a phenotype?”
Assessment Notes: The students will be graded on their participation in class discussion and also the exit quiz.